Rain Barrel – Homemade #1

Because of the severe drought in Georgia, I have struggled with guilt all summer watching my hydrangeas, perennials, and potted plants wilt from thirst and I decided I HAD to do something about it NOW! I live in Athens, Clarke County, and we’re on sewer so when I was allowed to water, I had to pay sewer tax on any water I used, so creating a rain barrel just made so much sense.

I discovered these industrial beverage containers at a local bait and tackle shop that hold 275 gallons! I took my dad to see them and we decided that this was the ticket. The plastic container is completely encased in galvanized metal and it also sits about 2-3 inches off the ground. It has a 6-inch opening in the top and I used a large aquarium net (lined also with extra netting to prevent debris from entering the tank) to cover the opening, then dropped the flexible gutter into the opening…I secured this with a metal clamp.

At the bottom of the container on one side is a valve that is opened and closed with a lever…I added an attachment of PVC pipe and a spicket to attach my hose pipe so I can water my plants. As you can see from my photos, the container is nice looking and blends in well with my potted plants. For an overflow valve, all I have to do when the container is full, is carry the hose pipe to surrounding plants and shrubs, open the valve and slowly water until I have drained the tank to the point I think it needs to be.

It may take me all winter to collect 275 gallons of water with the absence of rain, but I’m ready when the rains do come. I am most thrilled that I won’t have to pay the city for my plant watering needs, plus my plants will LOVE the absence of chlorine in their drinking water, won’t they?